An astonishing exploration of planet formation and the origins of life by one of the world's most innovative planetary geologists. In 1959, the Soviet probe Luna 3 took the first photos of the far side of the moon. Even in their poor resolution, the images stunned scientists: the far side is an enormous mountainous expanse, not the vast lava-plains seen from Earth. Subsequent missions have confirmed this in much greater detail. How could this be,...

When the powerful families who control the Board bring their battle for supremacy to Port Authority, Falise Taglioni is chosen to ensure her family emerges triumphant, while the inhabitants of Port Authority, genetically altered, tough and self-reliant, prepare to defend their planet.

Gyre Price, an amateur caver from an impoverished mining world, is desperate to earn enough money to discover the fate of her mother, who abandoned their family when Gyre was young--and she isn't above falsifying her qualifications to get the high-paying job she needs. Aware of Gyre's deception, Em, Gyre's controlling, manipulative handler, guides her on a harrowing journey into the depths of a rarely explored cave system on some unexplained, ill-fated...

An introduction to the life-sustaining properties of Earth.

After the civil war among the alien atevi has ended, Tabini-aiji, ruler of the Western Association, and his son, Cajeiri, return to Bujavid and face threats from rebels who remain loyal to the opposition.

"An exhilarating, time-traveling journey to the solar system's strangest and most awe-inspiring volcanoes. Volcanoes are capable of acts of pyrotechnical prowess verging on magic: they spout black magma more fluid than water, create shimmering cities of glass at the bottom of the ocean and frozen lakes of lava on the moon, and can even tip entire planets over. Despite their reputation for destruction, volcanoes are inseparable from the creation of...

Kylara Vatta and a motley crew are heading for home when she learns she has no home. Terrorists have attacked the Vatta estate, and the planetary government isn't prepared to help. With very little but her wits and a few new recruits--her madcap cousin Stella, an ex-marine, and an adventurer named Rafe who is clearly worthy to drink with Han Solo--Ky keeps herself alive. With the help of a letter of marque and reprisal , which allows her to take prizes,...

Combining elements of science fiction and spiritual philosophy, this novel is a tale of the devastating consequences of a scientific mission to make contact with an extraterrestrial culture.